Tips can help keep Easter eggs safe

By Edie McSherry

Larimer County Extension Office

Posted:
04/15/2014 07:34:47 PM MDT

Easter egg hunts can be safe if guidelines from experts at the Larimer County Extension Office are followed. For instance, storing eggs in the original container can contaminate them. (Jenny Sparks / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

Easter egg hunts can be fun and safe if a few simple guidelines are followed.

• Use grade AA or A eggs with clean, uncracked shells that have been stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees or below.

• Refrigerate raw shell eggs at home in their original carton until ready to decorate.

• Keep everything clean. Wash utensils, countertops and other surfaces that come in contact with raw eggs. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water before and after handling raw eggs or cooked eggs that will be eaten.

• If you hollow out eggshells by blowing the raw egg through holes in the shell, you could expose yourself to salmonella from raw egg touching your mouth. To be safe, use pasteurized shell eggs if they are available. If not, sanitize the outside of the egg before it touches your mouth by washing the egg in hot water and rinse in a solution of 1 teaspoon chlorine bleach per half cup of water.

• If you plan to use the raw eggs you have blown out of their shells, cook and eat them right away — don't try to store them.

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